Ruralmhmatters

12/07/2024

🚨 PM Keir Starmer promises to start "straight away" on fixing the NHS 🚨

At Rural Mental Health Matters, we stress the urgent need for healthcare reform, especially in rural areas where services are already stretched thin. The new government must address the unique challenges faced by rural communities and ensure equal access to quality healthcare for all.

We urge the government to prioritise rural health in their plans to overhaul the NHS. Addressing the healthcare inequalities in rural areas is crucial for the well-being of these communities.

10/07/2024

📢 Rural communities are often left to "get on with it" as individual needs are overlooked. The NHS and third sector services are unable to cope with the demand, leaving many without the support they need.

Key Issues Facing Rural Communities:
- Economic Disparity: Average rural wages are 7.5% less than urban equivalents.
- Higher Costs: The rural premium means everyday costs like fuel and transport are 10-20% higher.
- Inflation Impact: Inflation on raw and agricultural resources has reached 25-30%, exacerbating financial distress.

It's time to recognise these challenges and advocate for better support and funding for rural mental health services. Together, we can make a difference. 🌾💜

Read more about these issues here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2024/29-may-rural-communities-mental-health-neglected/

29/06/2024

🌡️ During hot weather, it's easy to overheat, especially in rural areas where access to immediate healthcare can be limited. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions that can affect anyone, but those in remote locations may face added risks.

At Rural Mental Health Matters, we emphasise the importance of awareness and preparedness during heatwaves. Rural residents often face unique challenges, and staying informed about heat-related illnesses is crucial. Prioritise your health and well-being, and don't hesitate to seek help if needed. 💜

27/06/2024

📢 In Devon, we've been boiling our water for nearly a month due to a cryptosporidium outbreak affecting 2,500 homes.

At Rural Mental Health Matters, we emphasise that access to clean water is a fundamental right. This crisis highlights the broader healthcare inequalities we face in rural communities. We stand with our fellow Devon residents in demanding swift action and fair compensation.

Join us in raising awareness about rural healthcare struggles and advocating for better support. Together, we can make a difference. 💜

16/06/2024

🚨 Long waits for cancer care are becoming routine across the UK. Nearly half of all specialist cancer centres experience delays most weeks, according to the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). 🚨

The RCR warns of a “crisis” in the cancer workforce, with a 30% shortfall in radiologists and 15% shortfall in clinical oncologists. This severe understaffing is causing significant treatment delays, with 47% of centres reporting weekly delays for chemotherapy and cancer drugs, nearly doubling from last year. Radiotherapy delays have also doubled, now affecting 43% of centres.

It's time for action to ensure timely cancer care for all. 📢

For more information visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckrrll51xjdo

15/06/2024

🌟 Men’s Health Week 🌟

This week is dedicated to raising awareness of men's health and encouraging all men to seek help for any health concerns they may have. We firmly believe there is no health without mental health.

At Rural Mental Health Matters, we advocate for everyone to seek help when needed. Let's raise awareness, start conversations about mental health, and work together to break the stigma surrounding it. 💬💪

Your mental health matters. Don't hesitate to reach out and seek support. We're in this together. 💜

Visit our Hub of Hope to find resources and services near you: https://www.ruralmentalhealthmatters.co.uk/find+help

08/06/2024

GP waiting times in rural areas are 4x longer than in urban areas 📢

This disparity leaves many without timely medical care, exacerbating health issues and increasing stress. It's unacceptable and demands urgent action!

We need to address this crisis and ensure equitable healthcare access for all, regardless of location. Join us in calling for change to reduce waiting times and improve healthcare services in rural communities. Your voice matters! 💜

07/06/2024

🌟 Happy World Caring Day! 🌟

On this special day, let's celebrate the power of kindness and compassion. Caring for others is at the heart of building strong, supportive communities. Whether it's lending a helping hand, offering a listening ear, or simply being there for someone, every act of care makes a difference.

At Rural Mental Health Matters, we believe in the importance of caring for each other, especially in rural areas where isolation can be more profound. Today, let's commit to spreading kindness and making our communities more inclusive and supportive for everyone. 💜

Join us in celebrating World Caring Day by reaching out to someone in need, sharing a kind word, or volunteering your time. Together, we can make a positive impact!

18/05/2024

📢 Mental Health Awareness Week 2024:

🗓️ From 13 to 19 May 2024, Rural Mental Health Matters is proud to join Mind in supporting Mental Health Awareness Week. This year's theme, , underscores the urgent need for quality mental health care for everyone, especially in our rural communities.

🚜 Did you know that 1 in 5 people living in rural areas face significant challenges and barriers when it comes to accessing mental health support? While mental health issues affect 1 in 4 people annually, those in rural areas often encounter additional hurdles such as isolation, fewer services, and limited access to professional care.

🏥 Over 2 million people are currently waiting for NHS mental health services, and since 2017, the number of young people struggling with their mental health has nearly doubled. For those in rural areas, the wait can feel even longer, and the support can seem even further out of reach.

💬 We hear from many in our community who feel overwhelmed and hopeless. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re calling on you to help us shine a light on these rural mental health inequalities and advocate for better access to support and services.

🌱 Join us in raising awareness and vital funds. Share your stories, support each other, and help us ensure that no mind is left behind, no matter where they live.
🙏 Together, with Mind and our community, we can build a future where mental health care is accessible to all, and where everyone gets the support they need, when they need it.

08/05/2024

✨ Jordan's Space - Episode 37
Tonight, Thursday 11th April, 7pm (GMT)
YOWAH Radio - Your wellbeing and happiness radio station

💫 Featuring special guest Melanie Costas ~ Pink Haired Warrior 💗!

Melanie is a lived experience speaker and campaigner with a passion to make positive change and tackle the inequalities in rural areas and for those living with disabilities. She is also the founder of Rural Mental Health Matters Limited,
established in 2019 to provide a more equitable, inclusive and accessible mental health service that's visible in rural communities.

She explains how her hometown of Dorset has a 46% rural population and the problems the county faces relating to isolation as well as the discrimination and lack of parity faced when it comes to accessing adequate, preventative services - issues which are reflected in other rural communities around the country.

We hope you can join us tonight - if not, you can listen to the recording of this show from next week as well as recordings of previous episodes of at https://lnkd.in/gvF_w4MQ 😊

***deprevention ***desociety

08/05/2024

Help our founder and CEO🙌

Listen to why is crucial for Melanie to attend and speak at a ground-breaking conference.

The Zero Su***de Society Join The Dots Tour The Jordan Legacy at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe on Wed 12th June about the many complex personal & professional challenges she faces and campaigns around.

Listen here: https://shorturl.at/dluLZ

Donate here: https://gofund.me/571ed101

A Shaftesbury mental health campaigner has launched an £800 crowdfunding appeal so she can attend a Scunthorpe conference addressing su***de. Melanie Costas needs to get to the session in North Lincolnshire on 12th June. "I am going to be speaking at a groundbreaking conference which is part of the 'Join the Dots' tour for Su***de Prevention from the Jordan Legacy," says Melanie, adding, "Steve Phillip, who set up the charity, lost his son Jordan, to su***de"

LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/07052024b.mp3 =35:25

Melanie can't make the 520-mile round trip on public transport or in her vehicle since she broke both ankles attending a function in the House of Lords last month. She's in constant pain following spinal surgery and needs a car equipped with massage seats and heated seating. Melanie believes her attendance at the conference is essential, and she can't attend virtually.

SUPPORT MELANIE HERE: https://www.gofundme.com/f/f857sf

15/04/2024

🌟REMINDER: Youth Wellbeing Drop-in Session TODAY!🌟
Hey everyone! Just a friendly reminder about our Youth Wellbeing Drop-in Session happening today:

📅 Date: 15th April
⏰ Time: 2:30pm - 4:30pm
📍 Location: Cafe @ RiversMeet, Gillingham

Join us for an afternoon focused on supporting youth mental health and wellbeing. It's a great opportunity to learn, connect, and find resources in a safe and welcoming environment.
Don't miss out on this chance to make a positive impact on young lives! See you at Cafe @ RiversMeet at 2:30pm!